VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS (SEATTLE, WA)

Job Summary:

As Vice President of Operations, you will ensure assigned business operations are efficient, effective, and aligned with our commitment to hospitality and culinary excellence. You will lead multi-unit teams, drive operational performance, and cultivate a culture of service and innovation in alignment with the client vision. Success in this role requires exceptional emotional intelligence, resilience, and the ability to collaborate across diverse departments to deliver seamless, consistent experiences. The ideal candidate thrives in dynamic environments, navigates ambiguity with confidence, and inspires teams through empathy, clarity, and purpose.

Responsibilities:

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders.
• Identify client needs and communicate account progress and new programs.
• Monitor satisfaction surveys and proactively act on feedback to enhance service delivery.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Foster cross-functional collaboration by aligning diverse teams—including culinary, marketing, finance, and service operations—toward shared goals and seamless execution.
• Demonstrate high emotional intelligence in navigating stakeholder relationships, resolving conflicts, and leading through change.
• Model resilience and adaptability, maintaining focus and composure in high-pressure situations while guiding teams through operational challenges.
• Build and nurture hospitality-focused teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Mentor and motivate team members, fostering engagement and accountability.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee daily operations across multiple business lines, including dining, coffee and catering.
• Ensure the highest standards of safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance.
• Oversees regular audits across financial, contractual, food safety, and HR domains, driving accountability and continuous performance enhancement.

Financial & Strategic Management

• Provide strategic financial oversight, including budget planning, forecasting, and contract alignment to support business goals.
• Review financial reports and scale actions to achieve business goals.
• Oversee financial performance, ensuring alignment with operational goals and contractual obligations.

Innovation & Growth

• Drive operational improvements and introduce innovative enhancements to elevate guest experiences.
• Collaborate with culinary, marketing, and catering leaders to develop new programs and menu offerings.
• Leverage data analytics for decision-making and operational improvements.

Team Development

• Ensure direct reports are performing effectively and taking action to correct issues.
• Support professional growth and succession planning within the team.

Core Competencies

• Influence & Relationship Building
• Strategic Thinking & Data-Driven Decision Making
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Customer-Centric Mindset
• Communication Excellence
• Project Management & Innovation
• Mentoring & Team Development
• Financial Acumen
• Emotional Intelligence & Empathy
• Resilience & Change Agility

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (Hospitality, Business, or related field) or equivalent professional experience.
• 12-15 years of food service experience, including 10 years at management level and 5-7 years of multi-unit management with a minimum managed volume of $100m.
• Experience in personnel management, hiring, supervision, evaluation, and succession planning.
• Strong operational, analytical, and leadership skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant systems.
• Ability to travel as needed.